Office 2008 for Mac database damaged

SYMPTOMS

When you open an Office application you receive the error message "There is a problem with the Office database. Office might be unable to access the database or the database file might be damaged. Without the database, you might be unable to use the Address Book, Scrapbook, and other features that store your personal information. To rebuild the database, open Microsoft Office 2008/Office, and then open the Microsoft Database Utility. For more information, open the Database Utility Application, and on the Help menu, click the Database Utility Help."

CAUSE

The database is damaged. This can happen after the application is installed or updated.

RESOLUTION

You can rebuild the database with the Microsoft Database Utility. That often does not work and you will continue to get the error. Another option is to fix the permissions on each application and then under

"username/library/preferences/Microsoft"

Then apply the changes to all of the enclosed folders.

The Fix that always works is to remove the Microsoft User Data folder from Documents to the Desktop. The next time an Office application is opened Microsoft Office will recreate the missing folder.

THIS Worked -The Fix that always works is to remove the Microsoft User Data folder from Documents to the Desktop. The next time an Office application is opened Microsoft Office will recreate the missing folder - DO NOT waste your time with other methods.

YES, throw away the folder copied to the desktop (in fact, you can just put it in the trash directly).